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GIFT  OF 


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Chought 


By 


J.  ARTHUR  MULLIGAN 

AUTHOR  OF 

"The  Leopard's  Mark" 
"Kathleen  ol  the  Everglades" 
"The  Germ  of  Life" 
"Simple  Rhymes" 
"Charity  versus  Mammon" 
Etc.,  etc.,  etc. 


(Copyright  1918  by  J.  Arthnr  Mulligan) 


V 


"CHRISTMAS  TIDINGS" 

Hark!  I  hear  glad  voices  singing 

Sweet  and  clear  this  Christmas  morn, 
With  the  chimes  of  bells  co-mingling 

Bringing  news  the  Christ  is  born. 
See  him  in  the  lowly  manger, — 

See  him  rise  the  Holy  one. 
God  will  shield  him  from  all  danger 

'Til  his  work  on  earth  is  done. 

Hear  him  as  he  gently  calls  you, 

"Peace  on  earth,   good  will  toward  men, 
I  have  come  to  help  and  save  you 

By  the  grace  of  God,  Amen: 
Come  to  me,  ye  weary  hearted, 

I  will  give  ye  needed  rest." 
From  the  Father  ne'er  be  parted. 

Place  your  faith  upon  his  breast. 

Hark!  I  hear  the  angels  singing 

Those  sweet  words  the  Saviour  spake 
To  me  sweetest  tidings  bringing. 

Comes  to  earth  for  my  soul's  sake; 
Shout  aloud  the  glad  Hosanna, 

Shout  the  glad  news  far  and  near, 
Christ  has  come  the  Great  Jehovah, 

Come  to  sooth  and  calm  our  fear. 

CHORUS 

Angels  praise  his  name  forever, 
Praise  him  now  ye  earthly  men. 

Praise  him  high,  deny  him  never; 
Praise  him  with  a  glad  Amen. 


373787 


"TOMORROW" 

There  is  always  the  day  of  TOMORROW 

As  this  old  day  speeds  on  its  rounds, 
There  is  always  the  sharpers  and  grafters 

And  the  Shylocks  demanding  their  pounds, 
But  as  sure  as  the  sun  shines  above  us. 

As  sure  as  the  night  and  the  day. 
The  sharpers  and  grafters  shall  suffer 

And  the  Shylocks  tenfold  shall  repay. 

The  lawyers  w^ho  prey  on  the  needy, 

The  judges  who  sanction  their  game. 
That  each  may  receive  graft's  divvy 

In  the  might  of  the  law's  great  name. 
Are  each  of  them  just  as  guilty 

As  the  wretch  w^ho  enters  their  door 
Pleading  for  mercy  from  grafters 

Who  glut  on  the  mites  of  the  poor. 

The  surgeon  who  seeks  in  the  flesh  ills 

To  fatten  the  bulk  of  his  purse, 
May  gain  for  a  moment  the  w^ealth  of  this  world. 

But  in  the  next  one  receives  God's  curse. 
'Twere  better  a  millstone  be  tied  'round  his  neck 

And  cast  in  the  depth  of  the  sea 
Than  blister  his  soul  with  greedy  lies 

For  his  services  that  need  not  be. 

If  all  w^ould  but  practice  the  golden  rule 

And  do  as  we  should  for  each  other. 
What  a  different  life  would  we  live  on  earth. 

If  we  cared  as  we  should  for  our  brother. 
No  greed  or  graft  would  burden  us 

With  slimy  trails  of  sorrow, 
No  need  to  care  for  future  things. 

Or  plan  to  save  for  tomorrow. 


**THE  OLD  FOLKS  LAMENT" 

"Well,  wife,  our  trials  will  soon  be  o'er, 

I  feel  the  end  is  nigh, 
When  we  will  leave  this  troubled  world. 

And  reach  our  homes  on  high; 
Where  storms  of  life  can  never  come, 

Nor  sickness  enter  in — 
Temptations  cannot  enter  there 

To  curse  our  souls  with  sin. 

"You've  been  a  good  old  wife  to  me 

Since  we  w^d  years  ago, 
When  your  hair  was  like  the  raven's  wing 

But  is  now  like  drifts  of  snow; 
Your  cheeks  were  dimpled  soft  and  bright 

And  blushed  like  roses  fair. 
But  now  your  cheeks  are  pale  and  rough 

And  furrowed  with  lines  of  care. 

"My  life  would  have  been  a  long,  rough  road 

Had  you  not  been  with  me. 
To  help  remove  the  stones  of  care 

And  help  my  eyes  to  see; 
But  life  has  been  a  bucking  nag 

For  you,  dear  heart,  to  ride; 
But  all  the  way  of  jolts  and  bumps, 

You've  found  me  at  your  side. 

"Well,  wife,  I  feel  we've  done  our  share 

In  bringing  children  here. 
Fulfilled  the  text  of  Nature's  law — 

Help  fill  the  world  with  cheer. 
Now  our  lads  and  lassies  all  have  gone 

And  left  us  all  alone, 
But  you  have  me  and  I  have  you, 

And  that  w^ill  help  atone. 

"Our  children  do  not  seem  to  care 

That  we  are  getting  old. 
That  death  will  soon  snuff  out  life's  fires 

And  leave  us  stiff  and  cold; 
For  they  wed  and  go  out  from  our  home, 

Bear  children  of  their  ow^n. 
Who  romp  and  play  with  shouts  of  joy, 

But  leave  us  all  alone. 

*Ah,  well,  I  suppose  they  think  it  best, 

Perhaps  they  think  their  boys 
Would  be  too  rough  and  worry  us 

With  all  their  childish  noise; 
Too  bad,  seems  they  forget  when  they  were  young 

With  noise  from  stern  to  bow. 
Their  racket  did  not  harm  us  then 

And  would  not  harm  us  now." 


*'MY  SHAMROCK 

'Do  yez  mind  the  green  plant  which  I  hold  in  me  hand? 

Do  yez  note  the  bright  shade  of  its  green? 
Do  yez  know  where  it  came  from  and  who  brought  it  here. 

This  plant  that  is  more  than  a  queen? 
Sure,  then  I  will  tell  ye,  so  list  to  me  now 

While  I  spake  of  this  plant  in  me  hand, 
For  by  the  same  token  I  brought  it  with  me 

When  1  first  put  me  foot  on  this  land. 

*  *Tis  a  bright  little  token  from  the  Emerald  Isle, 

That  gem  near  the  cold  North  Sea, 
And  I  hold  it  more  dear  than  all  the  world. 

For  the  memories  it  brings  back  to  me: 
For  it  has  grown  on  the  graves  of  me  very  best  friends. 

It  was  watered  with  tears  from  me  eyes. 
And  it  was  planted  by  Mother  before  I  was  born. 

So  I  hold  it  most  dear  as  a  prize. 

'When  I  sailed  from  old  Ireland  for  this  land  of  the  free. 

With  this  Shamrock  fresh  dug — w^et  with  dew. 
Sure  the  Inspector  forbade  me  to  bring  it  ashore. 

So  I  hid  the  dear  plant  in  me  shoe; 
I  have  cared  for  that  Shamrock  through  all  these  years, 

From  its  presence  I  ne'er  want  to  part. 
And  when  I  am  called  to  leave  this  old  Earth, 

Lay  a  sprig  of  this  plant  on  me  heart." 


*TOXY  TROT" 

"Wal  S'manthy  Ann,  I'll  tell  yer  what. 
Our  gel's  plumb  crazy  abaout  Foxy  Trot, 
But  I  wouldn't  care  if  *twuz  Verginny  Reel, 
Old  round  dance,  er  toe  and  heel, 
Naow  they's  got  sense  and  w^uth  a  lot. 
But  durn  this  crazy  Foxy  Trot. 

"Thet  gel  of  ourn  is  so  blamed  sot 
On  dancin'  'round  in  Foxy  Trot, 
Thet  morn  to  night  she  hits  'er  pace 
Like  aour  old  roan  hoss  in  a  four-mile  race, 
And  from  cellar  to  gerret,  in  house  or  not, 
She  kavorts  and  wriggles  in  Foxy  Trot. 

"A  city  feller,  a  band-box  snot, 
I  vum  he  started  this  Foxy  Trot, 
And  any  old  Fox  would  be  ershamed 
To  know  his  walk  w^uz  bein'  blamed, 
Fer  this  fool  notion  of  tommy-rot. 
This  bug-house  dance  called  Foxy  Trot. 

"Aour  gel,  she  cummed  to  the  old  hoss  lot. 
And  she  sez  she.  Paw  kin  you  Foxy  Trot? 
An*  I  wuz  thet  sooprized  I  give  er  whack 
On  top  of  aour  old  Roany's  back 
Thet  sent  thet  hoss  'round  thet  barn  lot 
Jest  eezactly  like  aour  Sal's  Foxy  Trot. 

"Thet  dance  ain't  decent  I'll  tell  ye  thot, 
•    For  young  gels  to  dance  in  Foxy  Trot, 
And  to  see  'em  wiggle  and  twist  and  bow. 
To  any  young  dude  who  show  'em  how, — 
My  land  sakes  it  makes  me  hot 
To  see  young  gels  doin'  Foxy  Trot." 


*'THE  HAMMER'S  SONG" 

Dang,  ding  I      Dang,  ding! 
Hear  the  mighty  anvil's  ring. 
Bringing  sparks  at  every  swing. 
Like  so  many  diamonds  cling 
'Round  the  anvil  in  a  ring. 
Fitting  spot  for  any  king. 

Dang,  ding!     Dang,  ding! 

Dang,  ding!      Dang,  ding! 
Oh,  what  a  source  of  delight, 
All  day  long,  from  morn  to  night, 
Never  too  heavy,  never  too  light; 
Always  cheery,  always  bright. 
How  they  echo  from  morn  to  night. 

Dang,  ding!     Dang,  ding! 

Dang,  ding!     Dang,  ding! 
See  the  bright  sparklers  at  play. 
Now  they  shower,  now  they  spray; 
Now  they  form  into  rainbow  rays. 
Always  merry,  always  gay. 
Singing  their  songs  the  livelong  day. 

Dang,  ding!     Dang,  ding! 


'TAT  O'BRIEN'S  LAST  FIGHT" 

Whist  ye  Spalpeen  and  rade  a  loin 

Uv  the  midnight  stunt  of  Pat  O'Broin. 

Sure  'twuz  in  nineteen  hoondird  an*  ninety-foive, 

But  divil  a  mon  is  there  yet  aloive 

Who  can  tell  ye  the  day  or  the  toime 

Whin  Pat  klim  to  the  top  of  an  old  red  barn 

Riddy  to  shout  at  the  first  alarm 

And  yell  as  only  an  Irishman  can 

If  the  spook  of  Mike  Casey  should  wave  wan  hand 

And  start  a  young  war  of  his  own. 

Pat  put  wan  lanthrun  on  an  ould  fince  post 

To  kape  him  koompanny  wid  Casey's  ghost, 

Thin  put  two  lanthruns  on  a  two-be-twice 

Of  that  ould  rid  barn  to  skeer  the  mice 

Should  they  come  to  worry  Pat. 

Naow  Pat  didn't  think  mooch  of  yer  aould  rid  tape 

Which  previnted  a  mon  from  takin'  a  slape 

Ef  he  is  w^orried  wid  toil  and  a  keg  of  beer 

Which  he  drank  at  a  wake  for  Casey's  cheer. 

So  begorra  he  wint  to  slape. 

Wid  his  poipe  in  his  mouth  and  hands  on  his  head 
Never  a  bit  did  Pat  keer  for  the  livin'  er  dead, 
So  he  sprawled  on  the  roof  and  sank  into  slape 
And  the  Spirit  of  Casey  dared  him  to  lape 
To  the  ground  for  wan  more  foight. 
Now  Pat  O'Brien  sure  loved  a  good  foight, 
Fer  he  could  foight  all  day  and  foight  all  night, 
And  no  livin'  creature  could  make  him  a  dare 
That  wouldn't  find  Pat  wid  the  goods  right  there 
Wid  a  whoop  and  his  good  right  arm. 

So  seein'  Moike  Casey  wance  more  dancin*  'round 

And  Spoilin'  fer  a  lovely  old  foight  on  the  ground. 

It  made  his  blood  boil  wid  illigent  delight 

To  join  in  the  shindig  of  Casey  and  foight 

And  settle  the  question  right  thin. 

Pat  niver  could  tell  to  the  day  he  wuz  dead 

Who  put  all  thim  naydles  and  pins  in  his  head. 

But  the  last  he  raymimbers  wuz  givin'  a  scraych 

And  jumpin*  at  Casey  who  stood  within  raych 

Wid  an  ugly  old  grin  on  his  mug. 

But  the  naybors  who  found  Pat  half  livin'  an'  half  dead 

Wid  ten  broken  ribs,  wan  arm,  wan  head. 

All  say  he  wuz  smilin'  a  bootiful  smile 

And  talkin'  wid  Casey  his  friend  all  the  while 

And  beggin'  him  to  stand  up  an'  foight. 

We  dressed  Pat  fer  his  wake  nixt  day 

And  called  all  the  naybors  and  friends  in  to  pray 

For  the  soul  of  Mike  Casey  who  died  wance  before 

And  the  soul  of  O'Brien  who  wuz  lavin'  this  shore 

To  hunt  for  each  other  and  foight. 


"MY  MOTHER'S  SONGS" 

I  long  once  more  to  hear  the  songs 

My  mother  sang  to  me, 
When  quiet. evening  shadows  fell 

Across  the  earth  and  sea. 
Then  how  her  dear  sweet  voice  would  sing 

In  accents  soft  and  low. 
While  sitting  on  her  dear  old  knees 

She  rocked  me  to-and-fro. 

And  when  the  hours  of  childish  toil 

Had  rushed  the  day  along, 
I  climbed  upon  her  waiting  knees, 

And  claimed  my  sleepy  song; 
Then  how  her  dear  old  arms  would  fold 

Me  tight  within'  love's  glow. 
And  sing  to  me  those  dear  old  songs — 

Those  songs  of  long  ago. 

And  when  the  hour  of  toil  was  o'er 

She  met  me  at  the  gate. 
And  kissed  away  the  marks  of  toil, 

'Twas  kind  old  mother's  trait; 
But  now  that  dear,  sweet  voice  is  hushed. 

And  ne'er  again  will  sing 
The  songs  of  love  that  charmed  my  heart. 

And  so  much  pleasures  bring. 


"THE  GRIM  REAPER" 

'I  stealthily  creep  in  the  midnight  hours, 

I  walk  in  the  light  of  mid-day. 
But  wherever,  whenever  my  touch  is  felt 

A  spirit  is  whisked  away. 
1  spare  not  those  of  beautious  form — 

The  aged,  the  rich  or  poor. 
My  voice  is  firm,  my  will  is  strong. 

My  aim  is  steady  and  sure. 
I  pity  the  youth  and  spare  a  few 

To  fulfill  their  Master's  call. 
But  soon  will  I  come  a  Reaper  grim 

To  garner  them  one  and  all." 


^'MOTHERS  OF  MEN" 

Mothers  of  men;  Oh,  mothers  of  men! 

Impossible  are  words  of  tongue  or  pen, 

To  say  what  w^ealth  in  dollars  and  cents 

Or  how  many  w^orlds  could  recompense 

You  for  the  birth  of  one  little  child. 

You  who  have  passed  through  the  valley  of  death, 

You  w^ho  w^ould  share  w^ith  that  child  your  last  breath. 

You  who  have  guarded  that  child  w^ith  your  life, 

You  who  have  fought  off  danger  and  strife. 

You  who  have  made  life  worth  while. 

Mothers  of  men,  dear  mothers  of  men! 
How  much  does  the  w^orld  ow^e  you  when 
You  meekly  submit  to  Nature's  first  law. 
By  bringing  to  earth  a  child  w^ithout  flaw, 
And  perfected  God's  ow^n  plan. 
God  in  His  infinite  all-wise  way. 
Certainly  blessed  the  earth  on  the  day 
When  He  gave  you  the  power  of  Motherhood; 
A  power  the  test  of  Centuries  hath  stood. 
And  will  stand  as  long  as  the  life  of  MAN. 


'XAUGH  AND  BE  GAY" 

Laugh  and  the  world  laughs  with  you. 

Weep  and  you  w^eep  alone. 
For  all  in  this  w^orld  have  their  troubles 

With  no  wish  to  hear  others  bemoan. 

This  life  is  only  a  gamble — , 

A  game  that  we  play  against  Fate, 

With  Death  in  the  offing  as  Umpire, 

Life  loses.  Death  claims  the  great  stake. 

No  matter  what  troubles  assail  us 

It  is  better  to  smile  and  be  gay. 
Then  your  troubles  will  vanish  like  Mirages — 

Silver-lined  be  the  clouds  of  the  day. 

Smiles  are  the  greatest  blessings 
To  the  forlorn  a  welcome  release, 

Laughing  brings  sunshine  through  darkness — 
'Tis  a  cure-all  for  every  disease. 

Live,  laugh  and  be  merry. 

For  tomorrow^  you  may  die. 
Don't  whine  and  bemoan  your  misfortune. 

Remember  a  coward  don't  Try. 


**WHAT  OF  THE  FUTURE?" 

Why  do  we  worry  and  wonder  and  fret 
About  the  future  beyond  the  grave. 

When  by  living  this  life  to  meet  grim  death 
Is  all  that  our  soul  doth  crave) 

If  we  are  true  to  ourselves  and  true  to  our  soul 

We  rob  death  of  all  of  its  sting, 
And  when  the  time  comes  to  leave  this  earth  life 

We  gladly  step  forward  and  sing. 

Stepping  forw^ard  with  songs  of  rejoicing 
That  our  name  is  the  next  on  the  roll 

To  be  called  from  this  w^orld  of  sorrows 
To  enter  the  home  of  the  Soul. 


**OUR  DUTY" 

If  I  have  cheered  a  despondent  heart. 
Helped  soothed  and  eased  the  pain, 

I  feel  that  I've  been  some  use  on  earth 
That  my  life  has  not  lived  in  vain. 

If  I  have  shown  some  sinful  soul 

The  straight  and  narrow  way, 
I  feel  that  God  will  reward  my  deed 

When  I  am  called  for  the  Judgment  day. 

My  duty  is  love  for  my  fellowman. 
Giving  succor  to  those  in  distress 

With  kind  words  here  and  bright  smiles  there 
Casting  sunbeams  upon  the  oppressed. 


''I  CANNOT  SING" 

I  cannot  sing  those  dear  old  songs 
That  we  sang  in  days  gone  by. 

For  now  my  heart  is  weary 

And  each  note  I  sing  is  a  sigh. 

I  cannot  forget  at  evening  time, 
As  shadows  stole  down  the  dell 

Our  hearts  broke  forth  in  joyous  songs 
As  we  list  to  the  evening  bells. 

I  cannot  forget  our  childhood. 
Or  forget  those  happy  times 

When  sitting  in  the  twilight  hours 
We  echoed  those  dear  sweet  chimes. 

Those  dear  old  songs  we  used  to  sing 
With  voices  sweet  and  clear. 

Were  songs  of  love  and  happiness 
And  of  friends  we  loved  so  dear. 


''MEDITATION" 

What  an  awful  thing  seems  death,  yet  how  secure 

Is  the  life  we  live  beyond  the  grave  if  here  our  lives  are  pure. 

God  in  his  wondrous  wisdom  plucks  here  and  there  a  flower, 

That  each  may  sleep  to  wake  again  to  praise  his  Infinite  power. 

Consider  the  infant  who  knows  no  sin  nor  death, 

But    comes    to    earth   a    precious   pearl — a    rose    with    perfumed 

breath 
Wafting  about  us  one  harmonious  chord  of  lave, 
Pointing  out  and  guiding  our  feet  to  eternal  life  above. 
We  grieve  when  its  life   departs  us,   but  we  mourn   our  loss  in 

vain. 
For  only  joy  should  fill  our  hearts  with  hopes  to  meet  again. 
Pause,  meditate,  and  picture  in  your  own  mind's  eye. 
Will  your  life  be  pain  or  eternal  joy  if  this  hour  you  should  die? 


"MY  HOME  IN  THE  DEEP" 

Oh,  my  home  is  the  floor  of  the  deep, 

As  wild  waves  over  me  sweep, 

Where  they  churn  and  boil 

In  a  mad  turmoil 

On  the  surface  how^  madly  they  leap; 

But  down  here  we  have  only  peace 

Of  the  kind  that  shall  never  more  cease. 

Life  is  just  one  sweet  dream 

In  our  submarine. 

As  we  glide  o'er  the  floor  of  the  deep. 

Oh,  come  ride  with  me  under  the  sea. 

And  learn  what  it  means  to  be  free 

From  all  strife  up  above. 

While  down  here  all  is  love — 

Oh,  come  try  a  trip  here  with  me. 

On  the  top  where  the  loud  thunders  roll. 

And  storms  drive  your  ship  from  her  goal. 

Where  the  tallest  masts  crash 

To  the  lightning's  flash, 

Down  here  is  the  place  then  to  be. 


(i 


NEWS  OF  THE  BELLS" 


Ring  al^ud  ye  sw^eetrtoned  bells, 
Sweetes^music  your  glad  news  tells — 
Peace  ha\  come  on/earth  again. 
Peace  goc^  will  axiong  men; 
Join  the  mWlions /rumpets  sound. 
News   that   aorea^   the  whole  world   'round. 
Hearts  w^ere^d/flened,  now^  are  gladdened 
By  your  joyfii^iews,  Amen. 

Ring  ye  bells, /rmg  out  today, 
Freedom's  PeaceYias  come  to  stay, 
Shout  aloud  that  Peace,  sweet  Peace, 
Comes  to  earth  toyie'er  more  cease: 
Over  the  top  of  thAbattle's  smoke — 
Out  of  the /trenches  where  gases  choke. 
Out  of  th«  din  of  thAbattle's  Sin, 
Peace  brings  sweet  rel 


"DON'T  CRITICISE 

It  is  never  best  to  criticise 

What  other  people  do, 
It's  best  your  words  should  sympathize 

Lest  harsh  words  you  may  rue. 

If  you  can  say  commending  words, 
Then  say  them  loud  and  long. 

But  it's  better  you  are  never  heard, 
Than  chant  the  Critic's  song. 

Those  who  dwell  in  a  house  of  glass 
Should -never  throw  a  stone. 

Lest  other  folks  may  knock  your  class 
And  tumble  down  your  home. 

Try  to  see  the  better  side 

Of  the  other  fellow's  life. 
He  may  minimize  the  faults  you  hide 

When  other's  w^ords  run  rife. 


'*A  MOTHER'S  SACRIFICE" 

(Dedicated  to  Mrs.  Alice  Dodd  in  honor  of  her  son,  Corporal  James  B. 
Gresham,  the  first  American  soldier  killed  by  the  Germans  in  France, 
at  3  A.M.,  November  3,  1917.) 

I. 
Our  Nation  called,  I  gave  my  boy 

With  a  cheerful  free  good  will, 
And  tho'  he  has  died  a  soldier's  death. 

His  spirit  is  with  us  still, 
And  knowing  my  boy  as  none  others  know, 

I  am  sure  my  poor  brave  son 
Would  never  care  to  have  his  mother  wear 

Deep  mourning  for  her  lost  one. 
II. 
God  has  thought  best  to  call  my  boy 

Among  the  first  of  this  great  world-war 
To  give  up  his  home,  his  friends,  his  life 

Now  his  name  shall  be  known  near  and  far. 
I  know  my  tears  flow  thick  and  fast 

But  they  are  only  tears  of  joy, 
For  I  know^  that  my  son  w^ould  not  have  me  don 

Deep  mourning  for  my  dear  boy. 
III. 
I  am  sure  in  the  land  you  tried  to  help 

There  is  some  mother  good  and  brave. 
Who  will  think  of  your  mother  that  cannot  come 

To  scatter  bright  flowers  on  your  grave. 
Sleep  on  dear  son,  in  a  far-off  land. 

In  the  sleep  of  Eternal  rest. 
Although  grief  I  bear,  your  mother  will  wear. 

The  colors  her  boy  loved  best. 
IV. 
Our  Nation  needs  this  sacrifice 

We  mothers  are  called  to  give 
And  God,  by  His  infinite  holy  will, 

Says  w^ho  is  to  die  or  live. 
Tho'  my  sorrow  is  greater  than  I  can  bear. 

Yet  will  I  smile  with  pride  and  joy, 

It  shall  never  be  said  I  covered  my  head 

With  crepe  for  my  dear  brave  boy. 


COPYRIGHT  1918  BY 
.    ARTHUR   MULLIGAN 


Simple 
Rhyme 


By 
J.  ARTHUR  MULLIGAN 


COPYRIGHT  1917 


"PEACE  BE  STILL" 

When  storms  of  doubt  assail  me 

And   sear   my   heart  -within. 
When  Satan's  tempting  offers 

Storm-toss  my  Soul  with  Sin, 
'Tis  then  the  Saviour  comes  to  me 

And   by   his   Master-will, 
Becalms   the   troubled   waters. 

By    calling,    "Peace   be    still." 

When  heite  controls  my  bosom 

Where  love  in  youth  did  glow, 
When  stormy  Seas  of  envious  thoughts 

Would   drag  me  down  below, 
*Tis  then  the  Saviour  comes  to  me 

Upon   the   Sea's  great  hill, 
And  throws  his  loving  Life-line  out. 

His  soothing  "Peace  be  still." 

When   I  would  doubt  my  Saviour 

Had  power  on  earth  to  save. 
When   scoffers  tell  me  naught  but  air 

Could  trod  that  stormy  wave. 
His  Spirit  gently  chides  me 

And  by  His  holy  will. 
He  driveth   out  the  Devil's   pow^er. 

Commanding,  "Peace  be  still." 


"BABY'S  FIRST  CHRISTMAS" 

It  is  baby's  first  Christmas  that  she   can  enjoy. 

It  is  Santa's  first  visit  to  bring  her  a   toy. 

Then  come,  let  us  gather,  this  glad  welcome  day, — 

Make   believe   we   are    children   and   join   in   her   play, 

With  the  toys  we  have  given  her  out  our  fullness  of  heart 

Ever  remembering  this  Christmas  when  time  comes  to  part. 

Boys,  go  gather  a  pine  from  the  forest  near  by, 
And  light  it  with  candles  like  gems  from  the  sky, 
Let  mother  and  sister  tie  toys  on  the  tree. 
While  daddy  plays  Santa  to  baby's  great  glee. 
Then  note  all  the  wonder,  joy  and  surprise 
That  shine  from  our  baby's  diamond-like  eyes. 

Hear  her  silvery  laughter,   her  coo^s  of  joy. 
As  she  searches  each  nook  of  the  tree  for  a  toy. 
See  her  spring  like  a  fawn  with  eyes  opened  wide. 
And  gather  the  playthings  from  every  side. 
Her  dancing  eyes,  her  pleasant  mood. 
Are  baby's  expression  of  gratitude. 

The  sweetest  music  on  all  this  earth. 

Is  that  which  comes  from  baby's  mirth, 

Her  love  is  born  from  love  divine, — 

Her  grief  or  joy  is  genuine. 

And  there's  naught  on  earth  can  buy  the  bliss. 

That  comes  to  me  from  baby's  kiss. 


"THE  SOUL" 

What  is  the  Soul?  we  often  ask 
As  pondering  o'er  life's  heavy  task, 
We  wonder  how,   and  where,  and  when 
The  Soul  came  into  the  lives  of  men. 

Where  is  the  Soul?      Does  it  calmly  rest 
Close  to  the  heart  of  the  human  breast? 
Or   does  it   nestle  within   the  head, 
To  flutter  forth  when  man  is  dead? 

God  in  his  infinite  all  wise  way 
Builded  man  from  bits  of  clay. 
Then  searching  heavenly  treasures  sought 
And  gave  to  man  the  gift  of  thought. 

Made  thought  the  Soul  of  earthly  man 
And  guided  his  thoughts  to  Heaven's  Clan 
And  long  after  man  has  passed  away. 
Thought  lives  one  long  Eternal  day. 

Therefore,   the  Soul  of^mankind 
Are  thoughts  that  live  within  the  mind. 
And  by  their  courses  rise  or  fall 
Created  by  Nature  the  God  of  all. 

If  Man's  thoughts  are  pure  as  they  should  be 

The  Soul  of  man  lives  Eternally, 

But  if  his  thoughts  are  cruel  and  low. 

He  creates  Satan  and  Hell  and  Woe. 


"CALIFORNIA  LAND" 

Oh  my  eyes  have  seen  the  beauty  of  this  California  land 
Where    the    w^arm    Pacific's    waters    wash    upon    the    glistening 

sands. 
Where  the  Earth  is  linked  to  Heaven  by  the  Sun's  bright  golden 

bands, 
As  it  shines  here  bright  throughout  the  year. 

Glorious  State  of  California, 

Glorious  State  of  California, 

Grand  old  State  of  California, 

My  home  by  the  western  Sea! 

Oh  I  feel  my  days  are  numbered  should  I  ever  leave  this  land 
Where  the  old  return  to  childhood  by  the  salt  air  on  the  strand. 
Where  the  fruit  in  great  profusion  blend  with  flowers  on  every 

hand, 
Where  health  and  joy  beams  from  every  eye. 

Glorious  State  of  California, 

Glorious  State  of  California, 

Glorious  State  of  California, 

My  home  by  the  western  Sea! 

To  the  beauties  of  this  southland  can  other  land  compare. 
Where   there's    wealth    for    every    creature    who    will    brave    old 

courage's  dare. 
Where  the  balmy  summer  weather  give  to  each  a  feeling  rare, 
That  is  felt  nowhere  in  all  this  world  beside. 

Glorious  State  of  California, 

Glorious  State  of  California, 

Grand  old  State  of  California, 

My  home  by  the  western  Sea! 


"MEMORIES" 

Oh,  how  well  do  I  remember  scenes  of  childhood' 

When  a  happy  child  1  played  at  mother's  knee, 
Where  she  taught  the  golden  rule  in  all  its  beauty. 

Where  1  lisped  the  prayers  dear  mother  taught  to  me: 
But  since  my  mother  died,  how  bitterly  I  have  cried, 

And  longed   to  be  with   mother  once  again. 
But  1  know  that  cannot  be,  'till  I  cross  Life's  stormy  sea. 

And  join  her  where  there's  no  more  pain. 

Oh,  how  sad  the.day  she  called  me  to  her  bedside 

And  told  me  she  was  goinig  far  away. 
That  she  wished  that  I  would  always  be  a  good  child 

And  meet  her  there  on  God's  great  Judgment  day; 
Where  only  Peace  and  Love,  doth  reign  supreme  above. 

Where  Angels  sing  in  glory  evermore, 
And  her  dearest  wish  that  I,  should  meet  her  in  the  sky. 

To  tread  with  her  upon  the  Golden  Shore. 

When  temptations  seem  to  gather  thickest  'round  me. 

And  lures  me  on  to  enter  sinful  ways. 
Then  her  Spirit  hovers  closer  'round  me. 

And  her  gentle  smile  recalls  our  happier  days; 
Her  smile  drives  out  dread  sin,  that  Peace  may  enter  in. 

The  heart  she  filled  with  love  so  long  ago, 
And  now  may  God's  good  grace,  and  mother's  Angel  face 

Help  me  keep  my  promise  here  below. 


"IN  FREEDOM'S  NAME" 

Oh  Justice!     Oh  Liberty! 

How  many  lives  content. 
Seek  certain  death  for  what  thy  name 

And   causes  represent; 
How  many  hearts  are  split  in  twain, 

How  many  scalding  tears 
Are  shed  for  dear  departed  ones 

Through  all   these  passing  years. 

A  mother's  hope,  a  sister's  love, 

A  sweetheart,  or  a  loyal  wife. 
Are  withered  leaves  and  blasted  tw^igs 

Upon  the  tree  of  life; 
But  then  we  know  beyond  this  vale 

Of   earthly   grief  and   woe, 
There  lives  a  sweeter,  better  life 

Than  known  down  heye  below. 

Oh  Justice!      Oh   Liberty! 

Tho'  we  die  in  thy  dear  name. 
We  could  not  die   for   greater  cause 

Than  death  in  Freedom's  flame; 
And  tho'  a  traitor  sells  our  blood 

To  satisfy  his  greed. 
We  gladly  give  our  lives  for  what 

We  believe  is  Freedom's  need. 


"WE  NEVER  GROW  OLD" 

We  never  grow  old  whatever  our  age, 

Though  it  bleaches  snow  white  our  hairs, 
Or  w^eakens  the  voice,   enfeebles  the  steps 

And  deep   lines  our  faces  with   cares; 
Tho'  we  push  and  struggle  for  worldly  wealth, 

Tho*  we  wrangle  and  nag  and  fuss, 
The  spirit  of  youth  bubbles  up  now^  and  then, 

For  there's  always  some  boy  in  the  most  of  us. 

There's  always  some  boy  in  the  heart  of  us. 

No  matter  how^  crabbed  and  sour, 
Our  natures  become  with  cares  of  life, 

Or  how  weary  the  passing  hours; 
The  making  of  man  is  GOD'S  handwork 

And  God  w^ishes  eternal  joy. 
Therefore  he  empaled  into  every  life. 

The  buoyant  heart  of  a  boy. 


"PEACE" 

"We  cry  for  Peace,"  all  end  to  wars 

With  its  useless  suffering,  its  National  jars, 

But  we   can't   have   Peace,    friends   must   always   part, 

So  long  as  there  is  greed  in  the  human  heart. 

The  love   for   greed,    the  strife   for  gain. 
Cause  many  hearts  to  break  w^ith  pain. 
And  the  bestial  lusts  born  in  all  men 
Make  peace  on  peace,  but  to  war  again. 

We  must  cleanse  ourselves  heart  and  soul. 

We  must  worship  the  GOD  that  is  not  of  Gold, 

And  until  we  do  those   simple  things, 

Man  must  always  war  for  Thrones  of  Kings. 


"WHO  MAKES  WAR" 

Tell   me  Daddy,   who  makes  War, 

Where  men  fight  and  bleed  and  die. 

With   slashing,    gnashing   teeth   and   claws. 
Like   beasts  with  blood-shot   eye? 

Is  it  love  for  right  or  love  for  greed 

That  Kings  and  Rulers  run 
With  guns  and  soldiers  through  the  land. 

And   murder   everyone? 

And  why,  before  the  battle  charge 
Each  head  bows  low  in  prayer 

And  call  to  God  to  help  their  cause, — 
To  save  each  soldier  there? 

Is  there  one  God  or  more  than  one 
That  each  side,  right  or  w^rong. 

May  call  upon  in  times  of  strife 
For  power  to  make  them  strong? 

I  believe  my  God  could  never  wish 

To   see   such   carnage  here. 
But  much  prefers  that  every  man 

Should  love  his  brother  DEAR. 


"FATE" 

No  matter  where  thy  pathway  wends, 
Or  whither  dost  thou  trod, 

Fate  leads  thee  on  with  chains  of  gold 
That  are  wrought  by  hands  of  God. 

Flee  high  or  low,  or  far  or  wide. 

In  early  morn  or  late. 
Ye  cannot  hide  thy  puny  self 

From  the  Master  eyes  of  FATE. 


"SANTA  CRUZ  ISLE" 

Santa  Cruz,   thou  emerald  gem  of  the  Sea, 

With  thy  deep  ferny  canyons  and  pine-covered  peaks, 

With  thy  vari-colored  soil  of  lava  streaks. 

Tell  me,  whence  came  you,  and  how  Santa  Cruz? 

Ye  refuge  where  sea-birds  flee  I 

Santa  Cruz,  tell  me  thy  story  of  birth  I 

How  l»ng  did  ye  toil  in  your  fiery  sleep 

Before  you  burst  forth  from  the  bowels  of  the  deep 

To   cool  thy  fevered  brow  Santa  Cruz, 

When  did  ye  come  on  earth? 

Santa  Cruz,  thou  lovely  health-giving  Isle! 
At  thy  base  where  the  Sea  and  mountains  meet, 
Where  salt-laden  zephyrs  float  in  pure  and  sweet. 
Did  Mermaids  sport  in  thy  surf,  Santa  Cruz, 
And  why  did  they  stay  but  awhile? 

Santa  Cruz,  bright  jewel  of  the  western  shore, 
Where**SSrthe  hands  that  painted  thy  caves 
As  they  dipped  deep  the  brush  in  the  rainbow  rays 
And  promiscuously  colored  those  walls,  Santa  Cruz, 
That  surely  will  last  evermore? 

Santa  Cruz,  ye  peaceful,  beautiful  land! 

As  I  stroll  'long  thy  trails  and  rest  in  the  shade 

And  view  the  great  structures  Nature  hath  made, 

I  cannot  but  marvel  and  dream,  Santa  Cruz, 

At  the  work  of  God's  own  hand. 


"OLD  DOG  DASH" 

Old  Dog  Dash  was  a  good  old  dog  and  never  did  any  harm 
'Til  he  played  one  day  with  some  very  bad  dogs 

In  the  field  of  a  nearby  farm, 

Where  these  bad  dogs  killed  a  farmer's  sheep. 

And  thought  the  game  great  fun. 
But  they  were  soon  sought  out  by  the  farmer's  boy. 

And  killed  with  the  farmer's  gun. 

Now    if    old    dog    Dash    had    stayed    at    home    and   watched    his 
master's  gate. 
He  would  not  have  been  found  w^ith  the  bad  dog  gang 
Or  met   the  bad   dogs   fate. 

So,   good  little  boys  should  think  of  Dash 
And  of  how  he  ran  astray. 

And  never  go  where  bad  boys  go. 
Or  with  the  bad  boys  play." 


"THE  EARTH" 

Ages  ago  our  theory  runs, 

The  earth  was  formed  from  Heaven's  Suns, 
That  dashing  'round  at  terrific  pace, 
Threw  flaming  meteors  far  out  in  space, 
And  from  those  meteors  outward  hurled, 
Revolved  a  sphere  and  became  our  world. 

A  mighty,  molten,  seething  mass 

Magnetic  in  force  it  came  to  pass, 

When   other   meteors  of   lesser  worth 

Became   ensnared   within   it's   girth; 

Millions  of  years  have  swiftly  flown 

And  from  those  meteors  the  earth  has  grown 

To  be  a  planet  serene  and  cool 

Where  man  was  born  a  conceited  fool. 

Worshiping  things  not  understood, 

Or  worthless  Idols  of  stone  or  w^ood, 

With  greed  and  vanity  to  dire  extreme 

Over  all  earth's  creatures  he  feels  supreme, — 

Even  Nature  and  Nature's  laws. 

He  believes  imperfect,  with  many  flaw^s 

While  vainly  he  strives  with  living  breath 

To  prolong  life  and  conquer  death. 

But  Nature  wills   (man  can't  deny). 

That  all  living  things  must  surely  die, 

Just  as  the  earth  some  future  day, 

Grow^ing  icy  cold  w^ill  pass  away; 

But  Nature  will  go  on  just  the  same 

Building  more  worlds  of  heat  and  flame, 

And  man  will  come  and  man  will  go, 

But  Nature's  laws  will  overthrow 

Every  puny  act  of  man. 

That  would  counteract  Dame  Nature's  plan. 


"THE  GERM  OF  LIFE" 

I  dream,  and  from  yaii  blue-domed  walls 
I  hear  the  voice  of  Nature  calls, 
While  all  about  and  overhead 

There   is   no   life the   earth   is    dead; 

When,  from  out  yon  space  w^ith  thunderous  roar, 
A   flaming   fireball   strikes   the   shore 
Where  the  waters  leap  w^ith  hissing  glee. 
To  sweep  it  seething  beneath  the  sea. 

When  the  w^aves  recede  from  off  the  ground, 
A  steaming  cinder  there  is  found, 
While   winds   leap    forth   with   mighty   hands 
And  crush  it  to  fragments  upon  the  sands. 
Then,  as  it  lies  there  crushed  and  torn, 
The  Germ  of  Life  came  forth  new  born. 
And  nourished  in  the  Sun's  warm  rays 
It  ventures  forth  on  Life's  highways. 


Again  the  waves  reach  forth  and  sweep 

This  atom  of  life  into  the  deep, 

Where  it  wriggled  and  squirmed  a  thing  unknown. 

Mothered  by  Nature,  by  Nature  sown. 

Where  it's  slimy  form  grew  fins  and  scales. 

As  it  burrowed  its  way  through  muddy  trails. 

Until,  dashing  out  sportive  and  free. 

It  reached  the  surface  of  the  Sea. 

Again  Dame  Nature's  kindly  hand 

Wafts  aloft  her  magic  wand, 

When  lo!  a  creature  serene  and  fair 

Lay  gasping  for  breatji  in  the  balmy  air. 

With  half  of  it's  body  scaley  and  cold. 

The  rest  of  it  shrouded  in  streamers  of  gold. 

With  dimpled  shoulders  and  radiant  face 

It  molded  a  model  for  the  Human   race. 

It  crawled  to  the  rocks  and  sank  into   sleep. 
And  called  for  a  playmate  from  out  of  the  deep, 
When  lo!  a  great  frog  appeared  at  it's  side. 
Croaking  a  Song  for  this  Nature  born  bride. 
And  his  song  is  a  query  of  "whence  came  their  race?" 
She  answered  him  saying,   "By  Nature's  Grace, 
And  our  mission  in  Life  is  to  generate  and  sow 
That  our  offspring  may  prosper,  increase  and  grow." 

He  took  up  her  hand,  he  kissed  her  sweet  face 
And  folded  her  close  in  a  loving  embrace. 
Then   leading  her  forth  he  sought  to  please. 
As  together  they  entered  the  Valley  of  Peace, 
Where  he  built  her  a   nest  with  tenderest   care. 
And  led  her  w^ithin  to  abide  with  him  there. 
While  kind  Mother  Nature  looked  down  from  above 
And   blessed  this  union  with   treasures  of  love. 

As  sunbeams  were  mounting  one  bright  rosy  morn 
She  gave  him  their  offspring  their  very  first  born, 
A  cherub  of  beauty  with  soft  downy  hair, 
A  form  from  her  likeness, — a  jewel  most  rare. 
As  it  grew  in  it's  beauty,  no  blemish,  no  flaw. 
They  thought  of  their  mission,  of  Nature's  first  law. 
So  when   their   offspring   reached   manhood's   estate. 
He  fled  from  their  presence  in  search  of  a  mate. 

As  onward  he  journey  down  close  to  the  Sea, 
He  came  to  the  spot  where  the  cinder  should  be. 
And  Lo!  a  great  arrny  of  creatures  were  there, 
Born  from  that  firebrand  that  crashed  through  the  air; 
Hair-covered   creatures,   four-footed  and   strong. 
Winged  and  feathered  ones  all  burst  into  song. 
And  all  was  contented,  peace  reigned  supreme 
Until  Man  entered  into  their  realms  of  dream. 

Man  founded  Kingdom  with  himself  in  command 
And  sent  them  in  pairs  to  replenish  the  land. 
But  when  all  had  departed,  left  him  sulking  in  hate 
That  none  had  remained  with  whom  he  could  mate. 
He  scolded  his  mother,  his  father  he  scorned 
And  regretted  the  day  on  which  he  was  born. 
Then  dashing  away  through  the  forest  nearby 
He  fled  to  the  top  of  a  mountain  high. 


Looking  around   from   its   great   dizzy   height 
A  vision  of   loveliness   burst   on   his  sight; 
He  pillowed  his  head  on  the  green  grassy  mound 
And  sank  into  slumber  peaceful  and  sound. 
He  passed  into   dreamland  and  found  at  his  side 
Dame  Nature  had  sent  him  a  mate,  the  first  bride, 
And  beholding,  his  heart  gave  a  throb  of  delight 
At  the  beautiful  creature  who  stood  in  his  sight. 

She  knelt  on  the  ground,  she  crept  to  his  side 

And  claimed  him   her  bridegroom,   and   she   his  own  bride; 

She  spoke  of  the  future  with  clear  silvery  voice, 

Of  the  joy  and  pleasures  that  followed  this  choice; 

She  pictured  the  legions  of  descendants  that  came 

To  bless  this  union  and  cherish  their  name. 

Who   built   thriving   cities  w^ith   beautiful    drives 

Where  men  lived  in  glory  w^ith  eternal  lives. 

Where  flowers  bloomed  always,   where  warm  zephyrs  blow 

Across  the  green  meadows  w^here  clear  waters  flow. 

And  she  begged  that  he  follow  her  out  and  through  space, 

Until  they  reached  in  their  journey  a  beautiful  place 

Where  a   castle  was  waiting  and  within  it  a  throne 

To  bid  him  a  w^elcome, — a  King  to  his  ow^n. 

Then,   rising  she  floated  out  into  air 

And  beckoned  like  a  Siren  to  follow  her  there. 

He  arose  at  her  bidding,  then  heaved  a  great  sigh 
As  he  saw  that  she  vanished  within  the  blue  sky. 
Then  resolved  he  w^ould  find  her  or  hunt  the  w^orld  o'er 
He  rushed  down  the  mount-side  and  came  to  the  shore 
Along  which  he  journeyed  with  feverish  speed 
Till  he  came  to  a  cottage  that  w^as  built  of  seaweed, 
And  there  on  the  threshold  sat  a  maiden  most  fair 
With  creamy  complexion  and  bright  jgolden  hair. 

He  spoke  to  her  gently  and  bade  her  reply. 
And  asked  her  whence  came  she,  if  out  of  the  sky? 
Then  her  clear  silvery  laughter  woke  echoes  of  glee 
As  she  answered  him  saying,   **I  came  from  the  sea, 
Where   for   centuries   many,    my   Ancestors   reside 
Until  Nature  had  called  me  on  earth  to  reside, 
Where  I  w^ait  now^  in  patience  the  pleasure  of  Fate 
To  provide  for  my  future  and  supply  me  a  mate. 

"My  Grandpa  and  Grandma  live  just  o'er  the  way, 
Whose   darling   descendant  hath   left  them   they   say, 
To  weep  in  the  mountains  and  bemoan  his  sad  fate 
That  Nature  had  gave  him  no  one  for  a  mate. 
Had  he  patiently  w^aited  out  there  by  the  sea. 
Dame  Nature  would  gladly  have  given  him  to  me. 
So   I  wait  in  my  cottage   here  by   the  sea-shore 
The  return  of  my  earth-mate  to  leave  me  no  more." 

As  he  list'   to   her   speaking,   she  seemed  in   his  eye 
To  change  to  his  dream-mate  w^ho  came  from  the  sky; 
The  cottage  had  changed  to  a  Castle  of  stone, 
The  threshold  became  a  gold  covered  throne, 
While  her  silvery  laughter  and  flashing  bright  eyes 
Was  coaxing  him  onward  to   realms  in  the  skies 
Then  he  thought  of  the  pleasures  Dame  Nature  unfurled 
To  his  countless  descendants  upon  this  new  w^orld. 


Recalling  his  dream  as  a  warning  from  Fate,  '' 

That  peace  and  content  are  foemen  of  hate, 

That  kindness  and  patience  are  best  for  his  mind, 

Then  Nature  would  guard  him  and  all  of  his  kind. 

He  cherished  the  power  that  gave  him  this  life 

And  brought  him  this  creature  to  take  for  a  wife, 

Then  folding  her  close  to  his  bosom  in  love, 

Gave  thanks  for  the  Life-germ  that  came  from  above. 

Presented  by  Nature  and  blessed  by  Fate 

He  took  this  fair  creature  to  be  his  life's  mate. 

He  promised  to  guard  her  and  keep  her  from  harm, — 

She  promised  to  love  ^him  and  trust  his  great  arm 

To  lead  her  through  safely  where  dark  waters  flow 

And  follow  him  meekly  where'er  he  should  go, — 

To  bring   up   their  offspring  in   righteous  ways 

And  to  teach  them  that  Peace  was  the  greatest  of  plays. 

Down  near  where  the  sea  and  the  mountains  meet 

Where  the  salt  laden  ozone  floats  in  pure  and  sweet, 

Where  the  sea-birds  scream  and  the  billows  roar 

As  they  dash  foam  crested  on  the  white  pebbled  shore. 

Where  the  sun  shone  the  brightest  as  it  danced  on  the  stones 

He  built  her  a  castle  and  therein  a  throne. 

And  led  her  within  where,  w^ith  majestic  pride 

He  mounted  his  throne  with  his  Queen  at  his  side. 

She  gave  many  children  who  played  'round  their  door 
While  he  hunted  the  food  game  across  the  wild  moor, 
Where  with  fleetness  and  strength  he  was  quick  in  the  chase 
And  throttled  his  captives  at  the  end  of  the  race. 
He  would  fling  the  great  bull  'cross  shoulders  broad 
And  gathered  ripe  fruit  as  he  sped  'long  the  road. 
Then  with  meat  for  his  children  and  sweets  for  his  mate 
He  would  rush  to  their  presence  to   receive  praises  great. 

One  day  as  he  hunted  beyond  the  great  trees 

He  came  in  his  journey  to  the  Valley  of  Peace, 

Where  men  of  his  image  were  strongly  arrayed. 

Who  came  forth  to  meet  him  and  earnestly  prayed 

That  he  stop  in  their  grottos  and  eat  of  their  meat. 

Take  a  mate  from  their  maidens  who   came  forth  to  greet. 

To  abide  with  them  always  contented  and  free. 

To  roam  in  the  woodlands  or  bathe  in  their  sea. 

But  pushing  them  aside  with  a  wave  of  his  hand. 

He  demanded,   w^hence  came  they  and  why  their   strong  clan? 

And  who  was  their  leader,  was  he  Vassal  or  King, — 

Did  he  live  in  a   castle  or  this  grotto  called  thing? 

He  charged  them  to  summon  this  one  to  appear 

And  pay  his  respects  to  his  King  and  his  peer; 

Then  placing  his  hand  on  the  strongest  one  there 

He  hurled  the  great  body  like  a  stone  through  the  air. 

The  poor  fellow  'lighted  all  bleeding  and  torn 

At  the  feet  of  a  creature,  old  haggard  and  worn. 

Who  appeared  in  the  doorway  and  stopped  in  amaze 

As  he  viewed  this  strange  conduct  that  just  met  his  gaze; 

Then  fixing  his  eyes  on  the  bold  cruel  one, 

He  calmly  leaped  forward  and  calling  "My  son. 

Do  you  thus  greet  your  brethren  here  at  my  door 

Hunting  and  throttling  as  you  do  on  the  moor? 


"Does  your  great  brawny  shoulders  and  strong-winded  girth 

Give  pride  to  your  mother  who   gave  you  in  birth? 

You  left  us  in  anger  and  thus  you  return 

To  scourge  your  own  brothers  and  make  our  hearts  burn; 

We  grieved  at  your  going,   now  grieve  that  you  come 

Back  to  the  shelter  that  first  gave  you  a  home. 

By  striking  and  maiming  your  brother  you  please 

To  strike  the  first  discord  in  the  Valley  of  Peace. 

"By  the  great  law  of  Nature  w^e  sought  to  increase 

The  numbers  of  our  descendants  in  this  Valley  of  Peace; 

You  were  the  first  born  that  came  to  my  wife 

And  the  very  first  man  from  the  seed  germ  of  life 

Together  w^e  bore  you  a  sw^eet  tiny  flower, 

And  guided  your  footsteps  through   each  passing  hour, 

Sheltered  and  fed  you  and  kept  you  from  cold 

And  thought  you  a  comfort  w^hen  we  w^ere  old. 

"But  when  you  had  left  us  in  anger  and  hate 
Because  Mother  Nature  had   gave  you   no   mate, 
We  crept  to  the  shore,  to  the  rock  where  we  met 
Your  mother  and  I  all  dripping  and  wet. 
There  sought  to  return  to  the  place  of  our  birth 
Renouncing  all  claims  to  our  place  upon  earth. 
But  w^e   heard  a   great  voice  thunder  out   of   the   sky, 
'Go  back  to  your  home  lest  the  Man-Germ  shall  die.' 

"  *Go  back  to  your  abode  and  stay  evermore 

That  your  offspring  may  number  like  sands  on  the  shore.* 

We  meekly  obeyed  Dame  Nature's  stern  voice 

And  returned  to  your  birthplace,   the  home  of  our  choice. 

Our  descendants  came  quickly,   two,  three  and  four. 

And  doubling  these  many  they  yet  doubled  more. 

Each  pair  gave  their  offspring  your  own  manly  face 

And  bred  to  perfection  the  whole  Human  race. 

"The  mate  of  your  bosom,  the  wife  of  your  choice. 
Is  merely  the  outcome  from  obeying  that  voice; 
She,  your  own  brother's  daughter,  pure  dainty  flower, 
That  grew  near  the  seashore  and  w^aited  the  hour. 
When  Nature  w^ould   call  you  and  guide  you  by  Fate, 
To  choose  this  fair  blossom  and  make  her  your  mate. 
So,  Nature  hath  blessed  you  with  offspring  by  the  score 
And   down   through   eternity   will   increase   them  yet  more. 

"You  are  King  here  by  birth-right  of  mankind  and  flower, 

But  abusing  Dame  Nature  will  but  hasten  the  hour. 

When  her  pow^ers  will  assail  you  and  toss  you  to  lie 

Broken  and  withered  by  the  roadside  to  die. 

My  son,  be  governed  by  wisdom  that  Nature  gave  thee 

When   first  she   created  you   dow^n   by  the  sea. 

And  rule  this  great  Kingdom  w^ith  pureness  of  heart, 

Lest  Nature  forsake  thee  and  rend  thee  apart. 

"Strength  is  the  pet  name  we  gave  you  that  hour 

When  first  you  came  to  us  a  sweet,  lovely  flower. 

And  all  through  your  lifetime  strength   stays  at  your  side 

Until,    nestling   in  your  bosom   it   has   filled  you   with   pride. 

So,    cursing  your  father,    held   your  mother   in   scorn, 

You  fled  to  the  mountains  that  bright  rosy  morn. 

But  Nature  kept  near  you  and  guided  your  ways 

And  sent  you  a  help-mate  to  gladden  your  days. 


"The  fair  dimpled  creature  who  gave  you  in  birth 

Is  now  old  and  haggard  and  creeps  near  the  hearth, 

Where  the  fire-glow  is  warmest  and  casts  its  bright  light 

Through  her  once  golden  tresses  now  shining  pure  white. 

But  she  has  ne'er  forgotten  that  bright  sacred  morn 

When  Nature  first  gave  you,  our  baby  new-born; 

She  grieved  at  your  absence  through  all  the  long  years 

And  waits  your  returning  with  bright  patient  tears. 

"We  hoped  your  returning  was  different  from  this. 
That  your  presence  among  us  come  blessed  with  a  kiss, 
But  now  her  heart  will  be  bleeding  anew^  from  this  wound 
That   brother   strikes   brother,    her   son,    to    the    ground. 
Go  into  your  mother,  son,  and  bow  at  her  side, 
And  plead  her  forgiveness  for  your  anger  and  pride. 
That  henceforth  forever  many  hearts  you  will  please 
And  joy  will  re-enter  the  Valley  of  Peace." 

When  the  speaker  had  finished  his  pleadings  so  mild 
And  awaited   the  answer   from   this,   his  man-child, 
The  son  stood  for  a  moment  as,  hissing  a  vow. 
With  hate  in  his  bosom  and  wrath  on  his  brow. 
Then   raising  his  body   to   its   great   towering  height 
He  issued  a  challenge,   "The  whole  w^orld  he  would  fight 
Before  he  would  lower  mankind  in  the  bog 
And  accept  for  a  father  this  vile  lowly  frog." 

Then  springing  among  them  with  fury  and  wrath. 
He  crushed  down  his  brethren  who  stood  in  his  path; 
So  great  was  his  onslaught,  their  danger  so  dense 
The  brothers  closed  'round  him  and  fought  in  defense, 
And  w^hen  their  great  numbers  had  w^eighted  him  down 
Holding   him   a   prisoner   prostrate   on   the   ground. 
His  anger  grew  furious,  his  struggles  so  great 
He  made  the  earth  tremble  beneath  his   great  weight. 

They  bound  him  securely  w^ith  ropes  made  of  skin 
And   opening  a   grotto   they   thrust   him   therein 
Where  light  never  entered,  no  air  in  the  hole 
They  departed  and  left  him  to  shiver  with  cold; 
Pushing  and  rolling,  his  brothers  heart  sore 
Placed  large  stony  slabs  there  to  block  up  the  door. 
Forcing  him  to  stay  there  until  death  called  release 
And  harmony  re-enter  the  Valley  of  Peace. 

Sprawled  in  the  dungeon  and  gasping  for  air 

Writhing  in  anguish  with  shrieks  of  despair 

Straining  his  fetters  with  all  strength  in  his  might 

Searching  the  darkness  for  one  ray  of  light. 

Chilled  to  the  marrow  upon  the  cold  floor, 

And  longing  for  the  freedom  for  all  out-of-door. 

He  called  on  the  powers  of  Nature  to  come 

And  strike  deep  their  vengeance  for  what  had  been  done. 

As  his  great  sleeping  body  lay  stretched  on  the  fToor 
There  came  a  light  scraping  of  scales  near  the  door. 
Then  dry  withered  hands  moved  the  stones  one  by  one 
As  a  voice  in  the  dungeon  called  softly,   "My  son" 
And  creeping  up  closer  with  slow  measured  tread 
Brown  hands  patted  softly  the  sleeping  man's  head. 
While  an  old  wrinkled   face  deep   furrowed  with   care 
Peeped   sorrowfully   over  his   great    shoulders   bare. 


He  started  from  his  slumber  at  the  touch  of  those  hands, 

And  strained  to  get  free  from  those  strong  leather  bands, 

Till  a   gentle  sweet  voice   called   softly,    "My   son 

It  is  I  in  this  dungeon  to  see  what  has  been  done 

To  my  first  born  of  Nature,  the  pride  of  my  life 

Who  lies  here  before  me  now  fettered  with  strife; 

Please  speak  to  me  son,  and  tell  thy  old  mother, 

Why  do  you  so  hate  us  and  strike  down  your  brother? 

"Do  you  think  thy  old  mother  who  gave  you  in  birth 
Would  shame  the  young  man-cubs  who  cumber  thy  hearth? 
Fear  not,  for  I'm  weary,  and  soon  I  would  sleep, 
Back  with  Dame  Nature  in  the  bowels  of  the  deep; 
I  would  return  to  the  bosom  from  w^here  I  have  come 
And  rest  in  sweet  slumber, — my  eternal  home. 
For  by  striking  thy  brother  thus  bringing  forth  strife. 
Death  will  now  punish  all  that  hath  life. 

"Don't  curse  thy  old  father  and  crush  in  the  bog. 
Remember  he  sired  thee  although  a  great  Frog, 
It  was  Nature's  own  bidding,  the  handwork  of  Fate 
That  sent  him  to  greet  me  and  gave  me  a  mate; 
Remember  thou  art  young  yet,  perhaps  when  you're  old 
Your  own  dearest  children  may  find  fault  and  scold; 
Now  Son,   I  release  thee,   return  to  thy  home. 
Take  peace  away  with  you  and  ne'er  let  it   roam." 

He  sprang  to  his  feet  with  a  bellow  and  roar 

And   rushed  at  the  creature  whg   crouched  on   the   floor. 

But  stopped  at  he  reached  her  and  scanned  her  old  face 

For  the  bloom  of  her  childhood,   but  found  not  one  trace; 

A  passion  of  pity  surged  through  his  great  breast 

As  he  folded  her  close  in  his  great  arms  to  r^st. 

Then  his  grief  broke  in  torrents,  rushing  and  wild. 

While  she  petted  and  soothed  him  as  of  old  when  a  child. 

Then  snatching  her  up  in  braw^ny  arms  bare. 
He  rushed  from  that  dungeon  like  hounds  at  the  hare. 
Like  a  great  beast  of  burden  flecking  with  foam. 
Nor  stopped  for  a  moment  till  reaching  his  home. 
He  dashed  through  it's  portals  that  stood  open  wide 
And  tenderly  placed  her  upon  the   throne-side 
When,   calling  his  offspring,   his  clansmen,  his  mate. 
He  bade  them  pay  homage  to  his  mother  in  State. 

His  offspring  and  clansmen  drew  close  'round  the  throne, 
And  with  loving  attentions  each  sought  to  atone. 
For  the  long  years  of  sorrow^  this  mother  had  borne 
Since  her   son   had  departed  with  heart  anger  torn; 
She  spoke  to  them  softly  w^ith  glad  shining  eyes. 
And  bade  them  thank  Nature  for  heeding  her  cries. 
That   had  brought   this   reunion  with   her  beloved   one. 
The  pride  of  her  bosom,  her  Nature  given  son. 

As  they  stood  in  her  presence  and  harked  to  her  voice, 
And  learned  their  origin  by  Nature's  own   choice. 
Her  army  of  tribesmen   dashed  up  to  the  wall. 
Demanding  an  entrance  within  the  throne  hall. 
To  rescue  the  mother,  a  prisoner  they  thought 
Confined  in  this  castle  by  a  mad  Giant  brought. 
And  so  great  was  their  clamor  and  stamping  of  feet 
The  very  earth  trembled  and  shook  the  throne  seat. 


Her  son  started  up  with  a  ringing  command 
For  his  clansmen  to  charge  out  and  drive  off  this  band. 
Lest   the   castle   be   ruined,    their   kinsman   be   slain 
And  the  green   grassy   mountains  be  dyed  a  red  stain, 
Then   charging  the  invaders  with  death   gleaming  eyes 
He  screamed  forth  his  challenge  and  first  battle  cries. 
And  dashing  a  stone  from  the  top  of  the  wall 
He  crushed  his  own  brethren  to  death  by  its  fall. 

His  clansmen  sprang  forward  like  wild  beasts  of  prey 

To   meet  the  invaders  in  battle  array, 

As  forwards  and  backwards  they  tried  in  their  might 

To  crush  out  the  life  of  each  other  in  fight, 

An  old  wrinkled  face  appeared  at  the  door, 

And  bade  them   cease  fighting, — have  peace  evermore 

Lest  the  life  of  all  niankind  be  blotted  from  earth 

Leaving  death  and  destruction  around  the  home  hearth. 

She  told  them  Mother  Nature  never  intended  that  strife 

Should  enter  the  pathway  of  mankind's  life, 

She  chided  the  invaders  for  seeking  in  haste 

A  revenge  on  their  brothers  whose  life  blood  they  waste; 

This  son  had  not  wronged  them  in  bringing  her  there 

To  view  his  young  offspring  and  castle  so  fair, 

And  tenderly  pleaoled  that  all   conflict  should  cease 

So  love  could  re-enter  the  Valley  of  Peace. 

Meekly  they  followed  her  bidding  and  came 

Close  to  the  Castle  walls  heads  bow^ed  in  shame. 

Where  the  King  met  them   kindly  and  bade  they  should   come 

Into  his  Castle  and  make  it  their  home. 

That  henceforth  forever,  no  conflict,  no  strife 

Should  enter  his  kingdom  to  crush  out  its  life. 

Then  taking  each  brother  w^ho   came,   by  the  hand. 

He   welded   their   friendship   into    one   golden   band. 

A  feast  was  provided  and  joy  ruled  the  day 

Where  strife  and  contention  had  once  held  its  sway; 

"But  where  is  thy  father?"  a  lightning  thought  flashed 

Through  the  brain  of  King  Strength,  as  upwards  he  dashed 

O'er  hill,   dell  and  plain   he  sped  like  deer 

Till  he  came  to  the  grottoes  and  crept  up  with  fear 

To  the  form  of  his  father  stretched  on  a  moss  bed 

Crushed  with  the  sorrow  that  struck  him  stone  dead. 


lU       I  H' 


°'Ct- 


ero*- 


Syra 


\9« 


'^^ 


